This is an analysis of the codes and conventions in this documentary.

1. Breadline Kids

2. Type of documentary
• The documentary is
mixed because it has
narration (voice of
God), observational
footage and interviews.

3. Themes
The themes are:
• Poverty
• Childhood
• Food and hunger
• Wealth and money
• Health and depression
• Family.
These are the issues and topics
discussed in the documentary.

4. Narrative structure
• The documentary is singular because it focuses on one topic which is
children living in poverty in the UK.
• There is an open structure because the topic hasn’t ended and no
ones knows what will happen next to the families in poverty.
• It is also non-linear because the documentary switches between
different times of the year.

5. Camera work
In the interviews mid and mid-closeup shots are
used because it allows the interviewees face to be
easily identified. It also allows the audience to see
the background which will be relevant to the topic
or current discussion. The rule of thirds is used
which positions interviewees off centre creating
looking space in the other two thirds of the shot.
The camera is at eye level so that the audience can
see the interviewees face.
There is a mix of interviews and observational
footage when talking to the mother in the kitchen
which then carries on to her bedroom which is
unconventional of documentaries.
A handheld camera is used in observational footage because it
is easy to follow and it gives a sense of realism.
Establishing shots are used when outside to set the location to
create understanding for the audience.
Two kids are interviewed at once which is unusual but
emphasises poverty and the situation of sharing a room.

6. Mise en Scene
• Often the parents are interviewed in the kitchen because it is food
related and is therefore relevant to the documentaries topic. Children
are interviewed in bedrooms because its their personal space.
• Low key lighting is used to make the home look more depressing.
• High key lighting is used at the foodbank, breakfast club and
community gardens because it gives a sense of hope.

7. Sound
Diegetic
• The diegetic sound used is the
interview sound which is
needed in order for the
audience to understand
people opinions. Ambient
sound creates an atmosphere
which makes the
documentary more real and
believable. The singing at the
beginning emphasises the
audience feelings.
Non-diegetic
Narration (voice of God) is used to inform the
audience of what is going on. The voice is in
standard English so that it can be understood by
a wide audience. The narrator is female and
speaks formally so she is understood by the
audience. The narrator has a kind tone and reads
out on screen quotes. Sometimes she introduces
the interviewees rather than using graphics to do
this. The narration drives the narrative and links
sections together.
Music is used to create a mood or response from
the audience. It will link to the on screen footage
and situation.

8. Editing
• Cutaways to clips of observational footage are used in between
interviews to cover jump cuts.
• Sound bridging is used where interview dialogue carries on to other
clips.
• Questions are edited out but some are left in to clarify the question
so that the audience understand what is being discussed.
• The editing is at a steady pace to keep with tone.

9. Graphics
The graphics seen were the quotes read out by the narrator, hashtags,
closing credits an titles.